Beclomethasone Dipropionate Side Effects

The generically named medication beclomethasone dipropionate is sold in the United States under the brand name Qvar. Doctors may prescribe beclomethasone dipropionate to help prevent the occurrence of asthmatic attacks. The medicine is an orally inhaled corticosteroid that is administered as an aerosol. The Mayo Clinic reports that Qvar and other similar medications cannot help during an attack of asthma. The drug may be prescribed along with bronchodilator medicines that help open airways.

Pain

Inhaling the beclomethasone dipropionate corticosteroid may cause some pain in the body during the initial stage of use. For example, a common non-serious side effect of beclomethasone dipropionate is pain in the back. The medication also may cause headaches during the beginning of treatment. These side effects, Drugs.com reports, will be temporary---lasting only a few days to a week---in most people. If they continue longer than this or are bothersome, a physician should be contacted for medical advice.

Infection

Beclomethasone dipropionate also may cause an infection in the upper respiratory tract, Drugs.com states. This should only be temporary, but no infection should be taken lightly. A doctor should be consulted to determine if treatment is necessary.

Flu-like Syndrome

As with many medications, beclomethasone dipropionate can induce side effects that resemble influenza or a cold. For example, it can cause a fever and chills. It also may induce nasal congestion or a runny nose. Flu-like syndrome, in the case of beclomethasone dipropionate, is not a serious side effect and should pass within a week.

Throat Soreness

Taking beclomethasone dipropionate may cause problems in the throats of some people. For example, the medication may produce a sore throat or irritation when inhaled, Drugs.com reports. The drug also may induce throat dryness and dry mouth. These are not serious, though they are common side effects of the medicine.

Nausea

Like many other drugs, beclomethasone dipropionate can cause stomach upset and queasiness. This tends to be mild and generally does not lead to vomiting in most people if it is associated with taking the medicine. The feeling passes within several days of the beginning of asthma treatment.

References

Article reviewed by Libby Swope Wiersema Last updated on: Apr 27, 2010

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